A FOSTER carer from Barwell has been awarded for going beyond the call of duty - after being nominated by her 11-year-old foster child.

Jane Chander was one of 80 carers invited to a celebratory dinner hosted by Leicestershire County Council to thank them for going the extra mile to transform the lives of vulnerable children.

The chairman of the county council, Councillor Peter Lewis, led the event which saw accolades given for long service and to those nominated by the youngsters they have given a home to.

Jane said: “We were told about the event and the young lady we have got kept saying there was something special coming through the post - she isn’t very good at keeping secrets.

“We were approved for fostering 2009 as we haven’t been able to have children of our own and when we moved to our new place we had more space and thought we would give it a go.

“My parents fostered when I was growing up and I have lots of family who have fostered, and since we started we haven’t looked back.

“It is challenging - you laugh and you cry, but it is all worth it in the end. The hassle that it comes with is nothing when you start seeing them change and starting to achieve and believe in themselves.

“If fostering is something that people have thought about they should definitely look into it and not shy away even if you are in full-time work. We both work full-time and you don’t have to be at home all the time like a lot of people believe.”

The awards also recognised other strands of care for foster children including families who support children in care by offering them the opportunity to live with them as a lodger, and independent visitors who provide young people with support, a friendly ear and outings.

Cllr Lewis said: “Our foster carers simply transform the lives of children and young people and we value their contribution enormously.

“It is right that we should take the time to say thank you and it was a pleasure to meet them and hear their inspirational and heart-warming stories.”